Travel Guides

Bab Agnaou

Bab Agnaou is one of the 19 gates of Marrakech and was built in
the 12th century, in the time of the Almohad Dynasty. The function
of the gate may have been nationally symbolic: the corner-pieces
are decorated with floral decorations, framed by three panels with
inscriptions from the Quran. It is the innermost and most ornate of
the city's gates and was one of the first stone monuments built in
Marrakech. The colour of the stone seems to change drastically
depending on the light, weather and time of day, and the bas-relief
is sophisticated and still impressive to this day. Bab Agnaou is
also a geographically convenient sight for tourists exploring the
city as it forms the entrance to the royal kasbah in southern
Marrakech. The kasbah, built by the Almohad sultan Yaqub
al-Mansour, is home to the El Mansouria Mosque, the El Badi Palace
and the Saadian Tombs, all magnificent tourist attractions, making
this a part of the city that seldom goes unexplored for visitors.
Of all Marrakech's gates Bab Agnaou is generally acknowledged as
the most picturesque and it is included in almost all the walking
and sightseeing tours of the area.